Burgess Falls State Park Will Host Fifth Annual Butterfly Garden Celebration August 8
Monday, July 27, 2009 | 05:06am
NASHVILLE – Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area in Sparta will host its fifth annual Butterfly Garden Celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 8. A variety of educational programs will be offered in the award-winning Native Butterfly Garden and surrounding park for this event.
“Our wonderful Native Butterfly Garden was created by our park staff, the Putnam County Master Gardeners, countless volunteers and the Iris Fund group,” said Bill Summers, park manager. “This annual celebration is a chance to honor their efforts and encourage people to come out and enjoy the butterfly garden at the peak of its beauty this summer.”
Scheduled programs will include:
9 a.m. – A Walk in the Woods
State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath will take participants on an easy hike through the forest, talking about trees and telling their stories.
10 a.m. – Goodness Snakes Alive
The park’s cold-blooded residents will be discussed at the park amphitheater.
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Butterfly Identification Walks
Rita Venable will teach participants how to identify butterflies during a “walk and talk” through the park. This program will begin at the park amphitheater, and participants are encouraged to bring binoculars.
Noon – Creek Studies
Participants will learn to measure a stream’s health by observing the animals that live in it. They will meet at the picnic pavilion and should wear wading shoes.
1 p.m. – Butterfly Identification Walk
Middle Tennessee Naturalist John Froeschauer will lead an informal butterfly identification walk, beginning in the open garden and continuing into the nearby woodland habitat. His talk will focus on native butterfly food and nectar plants. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars.
2 p.m. – Backpacking and Camping Workshop
Join Seasonal Park Ranger Chase Hall at the picnic pavilion to learn what it takes to be an expert camper, focusing on important items to pack for day hikes as well as overnight backpacking trips.
2 p.m. – Hike to the Big Falls Overlook
Participants will join Park Ranger Jeremy Vaden for an hour-long hike from the picnic shelter to the main falls overlook. They should wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Burgess Falls is a 350-acre park, which lies on the rugged Eastern Highland Rim in Putnam and White counties. It is noted for its sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, waterfalls and diverse forests. Tennessee's 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses.
For additional information about Tennessee State Parks, visit the Web site at www.tnstateparks.com or call 1-888-867-2757 for a free brochure. More information about Tennessee’s natural areas program can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/na/.
For more information about the Butterfly Garden Celebration at Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area, please call (931) 432-5312.
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